The Seven Churches of Asia Minor
Proposed tour for 2002 or 2003

Tour itinerary for Holy Land Study Tour 2001

Trip Report: Israel 2001, by Lambert Dolphin

Excellent Photos and Diary of Tour, by Matt Blum

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Summary: Israel-Jordan Bible Study Tour: Led by Lambert Dolphin and Glenn Miller. Leaves March 3, 2001 for 12 days (plus optional 4 day extension trip to Jordan). $2300--plus $560 for extension. Main group will depart from San Francisco. Immediate sign ups and $350 deposit are needed--trip is firm when we have 35 sign ups. Color brochures available from Lands of Wonder Travel, Dawn McDaniel: 650-345-4182 or 650-340-8931 or 1-800-359-2922 outside California. Email to: dawnsmcdaniel@yahoo.com

 

March 3, 2001	San Francisco Air Canada # 756 at 1240pm Arriving in Toronto at 832prn connect to Air Canada #886 depart 1155PM
March 4, 2001 arrive Tel Aviv 5:55PM transfer:	Carmel Hotel Jabotinsky Street Netanya Israel 42115 Tel: 011-972-9-860-1111 Fax: 011-972-9-860-1171
March 5 -9,2001	Royal Plaza Hotel Ganei Menora Blvd Tiberias, Israel Tel: 011-972-6-670-0000 Fax: 011-972-6-670-0001
March 9-13,2001	Olive Tree Hotel 23 Saint George Street Jerusalem Israel 46752 Tel: 011-972-2-541-0410 Fax: 011-972-2-541-0411
March 13-14 2001	Le Meridien Hotel Queen Noor St. Amman, Jordan 11195 Tel: 011-962-6-569-6511 Fax: 011-962-6-566-7137
March 16-17	Petra Plaza Hotel Taybeh Road, Wadi Moussa Petra Jordan Tel: 011-962-3-215-6407 Fax: 011-962-3-215-7096  cross Allenby Bridge to Tel Aviv for Farewell Dinner
March 17	Depart Tel Aviv Air Canada # 887 1255AM Transfer in Toronto to Air Canada #757 at 915am arriving San Francisco 1150am

February 26, 2001

Lands of Wonder Travel, 600 Comet Drive, Foster City, CA 94404. Dawn McDaniel: 650-345-4182 or 650-340-8931 or 1-800-359-2922 outside California. FAX: (650) 571 6038. Email to: dawnsmcdaniel@yahoo.com

TRIP DETAILS

Lambert Dolphin, a retired physicist, has made more than two dozen trips to the Middle East. He has a keen interest in ancient history as well as current events in and around Israel. A trip to Israel is, for Lambert, like a visit to one's native homeland--the followers of Jesus Christ are likened in the book of Romans to wild olive branches grafted into the true olive tree of believing Israel. Glenn Miller is a former Silicon Valley Executive whose Christian Think Tank Web Site is a premier international library for Apologetics and Theology. Lambert and Glenn are popular Bible teachers at Peninsula Bible Church in Palo Alto, California. [Web sites: http://ldolphin.org/, http://templemount.org, http://www.christian-thinktank.com/].

Anyone who has doubts about the historicity, accuracy and relevancy of the Bible will find that two weeks in Israel is a moving, exhilarating, unforgettable, and transforming experience--quite possibly worth more than four years of college. Four thousand years of history will unfold before us as we travel in comfort accompanied by the best tour guides in the world. We'll have Bible studies at key times and places to make sure this trip is a powerful learning experience and pilgrimage--not just an exciting tour. We'll provide note-books, study guides and maps for you to maximize your learning experience and the spiritual depth of the tour. Buses, guides, hotels, and meals will be first rate all the way. Travel in the Middle East is safe!

DAY I SAN FRANCISCO TO THE HOLY LAND Saturday, March 3 , 2000

Our spiritual pilgrimage begins with our afternoon departure from San Francisco for our overnight flight. We have requested seats on Air Canada with a connection in Toronto or Montreal--which greatly shortens the travel time from San Francisco. [Those joining us from the Midwest or East will connect with us in Canada].

DAY 2 ARRIVE TEL AVIV Sunday, March 4, 2001

Late afternoon arrival in Israel. We will be welcomed to the Holy Land by our airport representative and transferred to the hotel for dinner--and a good overnight rest.

DAY 3 TO THE GALILEE Monday, March 5, 2001

This morning we will travel to Caesarea, where we visit the Roman ruins of the coliseum, amphitheater and the Crusader Fortress. It was here that Paul preached to the first Gentile converts. Our trip continues North along the Mediterranean to Haifa and the ascent of Mt. Carmel where we will view the site where Elijah had the contest with the prophets of Baal. From the modern sea port of Haifa we will continue to the Crusader City of Akko (Acre)--now being extensively excavated and restored. Then, turning East we will pass by the city Nazareth set in the hills above the great plain of Esdraelon. Descending below sea level we will arrive at the famous city of Tiberias of the Sea of Galilee. Dinner and overnight.

DAY 4 THE GALILEE Tuesday, March 6, 2001

With our Bibles in hand, we'll cross the waters of the Sea of Galilee aboard a Kinnereth Sailing Company boat to ancient Capernaum, where Jesus chose to center his ministry. We'll visit the synagogue site where Jesus most certainly taught and worshipped. Then we go on to the Mount of Beatitudes where Jesus preached to the crowds. At nearby Tabgha, we'll visit the Church of the Fish and the Loaves. Next we visit Kibbutz Nof Ginnosar to see the "Jesus Boat," a rare and excellent example of the very kind of boat in which Jesus sailed with his disciples. We can clearly visualize life in Jesus' day when we visit Chorazim, a now-reconstructed city which, along with Capernaum, was cursed by Jesus because the in habitants did not respond to his teachings.

DAY 5 GALILEE Wednesday, March 7

This morning we'll travel by bus through beautiful Galilee to Banias at the Foot of Mt. Hermon--site of ancient Caesarea Philippi, where Peter made the Great Confession. Nearby Tell Dan is a wonderful nature preserve where the Jordan River has its sources in springs and waterfalls. We'll drive up the steep road to the Golan Heights, site of fierce fighting during the Six Day War with Syria. From there we can look over the disputed border and see ancient Damascus off to the East. In the afternoon we'll continue to the Jordan River, where you will be able to renew your baptism if you wish. After a full day, we return to your hotel for dinner and over night.

DAY 6 GALILEE Thursday, March 8

This morning you will enjoy sightseeing to include Mt. Tabor the historic Roman Catholic site of the Transfiguration. We'll see the tiny village of Nain where Jesus raised the dead child, then we make your way to Megiddo--the hill of Megiddo--biblical site of Armageddon, a fascinating archaeological site spanning centuries of history. We'll pass directly by Mt. Gilboa, where Saul and Jonathan were slain, and stop at Gideon's Spring, where Gideon and his 300 men defeated the Philistines. Finally, after another awesome day, we'll return to Tiberias for dinner and overnight.

DAY 7 BElT SHEAN, JERICHO AND QUMRAN Friday, March 9

Today we visit the ruins of Bet Shean, one of the major cities of the Roman Decapolis--now extensively excavated. This city has been continuously inhabited for 5000 years. Our bus ride South follows the course of the Jordan to ancient Jericho with its famous huge spring of fresh water. From Jericho, the traditional site of the Temptation of Jesus looms on the mountain range to the West. Next stop will be the Essene community site at Qumran where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found. Our trip to Jerusalem will follow the old road used by ancient travelers--including the Good Samaritan Even today the road from Jericho to Jerusalem twists for miles as it climbs from below sea level into the Judean mountains. Jesus traveled the nearby Roman road and used it as the setting for the Good Samaritan story.

DAY 8 MASADA Saturday, March 10 (Sabbath)

Today we visit Masada the spectacular mountaintop fortress built by Herod and famous as the last stronghold of the Jewish Rebellion against the Romans. Ride the cable car to the top to explore. Peer down upon the remains of the Roman camps and siege ramp below. Time permitting, we'll stop briefly at the Shores of the Dead Sea so that those who wish, can take a quick dip in the saltiest water in the world at the lowest spot on earth. We plan to stop at the Nature Preserve of Ein Gedi where David encountered Saul.

DAY 9 JERUSALEM Sunday, March 11

Today is a day that will be fascinating for all of us. We will visit the Rabbinical Tunnel to see the excavations along the Western Wall of Solomon at the Temple Mount area. We will visit the excavations at the City of David and the Temple Mount area. For those of you who are up to it, we will walk the walls of Old Jerusalem, seeing the Citadel, site of David's Palace.

DAY 10 JERUSALEM, BETHLEHEM AND BETHANY Monday, March 12

Stand atop the Mount of Olives as Jesus did and enjoy a remarkable view of the Golden City of Jerusalem, including the Temple Mount and Dome of the rock. Visit the Garden of Gethsemane where Jesus prayed for God's will to be done. Forty days after his resurrection, Jesus ascended into heaven from the Mount of Olives. You'll visit the Chapel of the Ascension. Nearby is Bethany where Jesus raised Lazarus and put into motion the events that lead to his death. Communion Service at the Garden Tomb. Lastly, we'll visit Bethlehem to explore the cave revered as the place where Jesus was born. The church that has been constructed on the site is the world's oldest functioning church.

DAY 11 JERUSALEM Tuesday, March 13

Today is a free day in Jerusalem for everyone. You may want to do an optional tour to the holocaust museum, Yad Vashem and the Dead Sea Scroll Museum--both highly recommended. Shop in the Old City. On your own! Dinner and overnight at your hotel.

DAY 12 RETURN TO USA Wednesday, March 14

This morning very early those return to the States will transfer to the airport for your flight back to the USA, arriving the same day---filled with endless memories of this Journey of a Lifetime. Those staying for the extension tour to Petra will have dinner with the departees and stay overnight at a nearby hotel.

DAY 13 JERUSALEM / TEL AVIV TO AMMAN, JORDAN Thursday, March 15

Early morning our bus takes us to the Allenby Bridge for the crossing into Jordan. We travel the ancient road, which leads to Jerash, a former Decapolis city and Jordan's best preserved example of a provincial Roman city. Its restored ruins are extensive, revealing a vast city, which flourished in the centuries immediately, preceding and following the Christian era. Situated on this hilly area of ancient Gilead is a sprawling open air museum of monumental temples, baths, theaters and beautifully embellished churches of the early and late Byzantine era. We will ascend the summit of Mt. Nebo overlooking the Jordan Valley and the Dead Sea. There you can view the "Promised Land" as Moses did and see the springs where he smote the ground to bring forth water. Then continue on to the metropolitan city of Amman, also the capital city of modern Jordan where we will spend the night.

DAY 14 PETRA Friday, March 16

Our drive to Petra is long but pleasant. We depart Amman early this morning and travel southward to the rose-colored city of Petra. Touring Petra is a magnificent and mysterious experience. Begin with an exciting horseback ride to the entrance of the canyon, then walk an estimated two kilometers through the winding narrow passageway known as the Siq. The waters of the Wadi Musa naturally caused the split in the mountain. Using advanced agricultural techniques; the Nabataens literally carved this two-thousand year old city out of multicolored sandstone rocks. As we enter the city, the first monument encountered is the majestic facade of the Treasury with its elaborate double Corinthian columns. Marvel at the Roman Theatre excavated entirely out of the mountain with a seating capacity for 3000 spectators. Explore the splendid Royal Tombs, a row of six carved monuments from the 1st to the 5th centuries AD. Complete your tour with visits to the Monastery, the Streets of Columns, and various temples. The Tomb of Aaron is set on a nearby mountain. We will return to Amman for dinner and overnight.

DAY 15 AMMAN TO TEL AVIV, ISRAEL Saturday, March 17.

This morning cross the Allenby Bridge and return to Tel Aviv for our flight to the USA.

(Itinerary is subject to changes and adjustments) (above photos are not in any special order)

For further information contact: Lands of Wonder Travel, 600 Comet Drive, Foster City, CA 94404. Dawn McDaniel: 650-345-4182 or 650-340-8931 or 1-800-359-2922 outside California. FAX: (650) 571 6038. Email to: dawnsmcdaniel@yahoo.com

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OTHER INFORMATION: We will be needing a $300.00 per person deposit (non-refundable) to hold
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RESPONSIBILITY: Your Travel Agent Lands of Wonder acts only in the capacity of agent and accepts no responsibility for services or any aircraft, train, motorcoach, cruise line, automobile or any other conveyance used in connection with this tour, not for additional expense due to delays, loss or accident to traveler or baggage occasioned by such sickness, war, weather, quarantine, or from whatsoever cause. Any such loss or expense is the responsibility of the traveler. All arrangements for ship or air transportation are made by the respective airline or cruise line, which are not held responsible for any act, omission or event after the traveler has disembarked from the airline/ship. The usual passage contract in use by the airline/cruise line, when issued to the traveler, shall constitute the sole contract between the airline/cruise line and the purchaser of the tour and I or the traveler. Air schedules are subject to change at any time. Your Travel Agent, Lands of Wonder, reserves the right to cancel or withdraw the tour prior to departure and to decline to accept or retain any person as a member of the tour if their actions impose upon or disturb the other members of the tour. The right is also reserved to amend the itinerary should it be found necessary for the benefit of the group or for other reasons.

CANCELLATION FEES: 100% of Cancellation Fees are covered by the optional Travel insurance Protection Plan provided premium has been paid and reason for cancellation is insurable. Those who do not take cancellation insurance should be aware of the following fees:

STANDARD TOURS
$300.00 Non refundable at time of booking
$575.00 44-31 Days prior to departure
30% of total tour cost 30-15 Days prior to departure
55% of total tour cost 14-3 Days prior to departure
65% of total tour cost 2-1 Day prior to departure
100% of total tour cost Day of departure

EXTENSION:
25% of total extension 60-30 Days prior to departure
100% of total extension 29-0 Days prior to departure
On or after day of departure, no refund for any service not used. All refund claims must be received in writing by the headquarters office in Florida. This contract shall be governed by the laws of the state of Florida. I understand the policies and conditions of purchasing this tour.

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Posted. January 16, 2000. Updated October 27, 2000.

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spelling and punctuation checked 28July02 RPS